Umbrella vs Softbox

[Ballistics]

20110815 by Compressed Memories, on Flickr

My first question is, am I able to achieve the same effect with a monolight shot through an umbrella? I took this with a makeshift softbox I made out of cardboard.
My second question is, what is the main difference between shooting with a softbox vs an umbrella?

 

[kundalini]

A softbox is more directional with its light pattern than an umbrella.

With your example, I would bring the main light forward (feathered towards the camera). Notice the hotspot on the nose and the deep shadows on the left side of the mask. I would also ask the model to shift her left shoulder away from the camera to create a more dynamic pose. Seldom is "square to the camera" an affectionate pose. You might also consider a rim light to the back of the head to add separation from the background. And while I'm at it, some fill light or a reflector to lessen the shadowed side of her face/hair.

 

[Ballistics]

A softbox is more directional with its light pattern than an umbrella.

With your example, I would bring the main light forward (feathered towards the camera). Notice the hotspot on the nose and the deep shadows on the left side of the mask. I would also ask the model to shift her left shoulder away from the camera to create a more dynamic pose. Seldom is "square to the camera" an affectionate pose. You might also consider a rim light to the back of the head to add separation from the background. And while I'm at it, some fill light or a reflector to lessen the shadowed side of her face/hair.

Can I achieve the same effect with an umbrella?

 

[Big Mike]

You can get the same lighting pattern with an umbrella, that's the easy part. But there are differences.

For example, an umbrella tends to spill light all over the place, so if you are in a small space with reflective walls, your background may get a lot more light with an umbrella, than it would with a softbox. So it might be harder to pull off a dark field shot like this.

Another way that light modifiers will differ, is how the light falls off and transitions into shadow. This will change even from one softbox to another or one umbrella to another. It will change depending on how close the umbrella is to the light etc.

If you Google 'light modifier comparison' you should come up with several sites that show you examples of what the photos will look like with different modifiers. Sometimes it's a subtle difference, sometimes not.

Here is one I found....MODIFIERS

 

[gsgary]

Also lower your camera angle

 

[Ballistics]

You can get the same lighting pattern with an umbrella, that's the easy part. But there are differences.

For example, an umbrella tends to spill light all over the place, so if you are in a small space with reflective walls, your background may get a lot more light with an umbrella, than it would with a softbox. So it might be harder to pull off a dark field shot like this.

Another way that light modifiers will differ, is how the light falls off and transitions into shadow. This will change even from one softbox to another or one umbrella to another. It will change depending on how close the umbrella is to the light etc.

If you Google 'light modifier comparison' you should come up with several sites that show you examples of what the photos will look like with different modifiers. Sometimes it's a subtle difference, sometimes not.

Here is one I found....MODIFIERS

Thanks for the link

 

[Ballistics]

Also lower your camera angle

She wasn't naked. She had a shirt on lol.

 

[gsgary]

Also lower your camera angle

She wasn't naked. She had a shirt on lol.

Damn you spoilt it now

 

[KmH]

You might want to also consider brolly's, a cross between an umbrella and a softbox;

Photek Softlighter II, 46" Umbrella with Diffuser.

Westcott 5 Foot Octabank

 

[Ballistics]

Also lower your camera angle

She wasn't naked. She had a shirt on lol.

Damn you spoilt it now

:hug::

 

[Ballistics]

You might want to also consider brolly's, a cross between an umbrella and a softbox;

Photek Softlighter II, 46" Umbrella with Diffuser.

Westcott 5 Foot Octabank

So much to consider.